Increase in calls over domestic violence for April

The lack of family support for victims of domestic violence is a contributing factor to the increase in the number of women and children seeking help from the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre (FWCC) amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The centre’s co-ordinator Shamima Ali said this on Wednesday, revealing that they had recorded an increase in the number of calls received through the National Domestic Violence helpline number 1560 during the month of April. Ms Ali said there had been a global rise in domestic violence and violence against women and children during the COVID-19 outbreak and Fiji was no exception. “As long as victims need our support, we step in for as long as they need us,” Ms Ali said.

She said immediate assistance was available like counselling and a support crew. This includes medical professionals, Police and legal authorities, domestic violence victims could access while making use of services provided by the centre.

“But one thing we also emphasise is that if there was enough support rendered within the family, than victims would not be seeking our services.

“If there is family support, then that is half the work done.”

Help for rape victims

Ms Ali said the centre had also noted that the majority of rape victims ignored help as soon as their court proceedings were completed. “Sometimes they go away and we don’t see them for ages, but they return when they become victims of domestic violence, the cycle is still there.

“We have always advised them to continue to undergo counselling to empower them until they get over the incident and get over the trauma.”

She said there had always been an opening for rape victims at the centre, particularly for young women victims.

“If they were impregnated during rape and they want their babies adopted, we will look after them throughout their pregnancy and we will do a referral to social welfare. If they want an adoption or if their child is to be kept in one of the homes, we will help in those scenarios.

“There is ongoing support as long as a rape victim needs it and asks for it.”

Elderly callers

Ms Ali also revealed that the helpline had received calls from senior citizens as old as 70 years. “They normally complain of not being cared for, lack of support and being ignored and neglected by family members,” she said. “Not only women but from men too.”